Campus cuisine tends to conjure up images of burnt baked beans and stodgy stews.
But dishes prepared in the University of Chester’s kitchens by the multi award-winning chefs is a whole different kettle of fish. And for a limited time, members of the public can taste those culinary creations for themselves.
Drawing on the success of the pop-up restaurant hosted by the Queen’s Park Campus in Handbridge in June, which was fully-booked, the talented team is organising a Sunday lunch at a secluded spot on the main Chester campus.
Bookings are now being taken for the elegant dining room (which seats 40) in the fully licensed Senate House for between noon and 3pm on Sunday, September 4.
Diners can order two courses for £16 or three for £22 and a wine list is available.
The menu has an emphasis on seasonal produce and, where possible, locally-sourced ingredients and dishes are freshly cooked to order.
For traditionalists, there is a roast with all the trimmings but there are also main course options for the more adventurous and a vegetarian alternative, with a selection of light starters and decadent desserts to tempt the palate.
Those ordering coffee can take it in the relaxed drawing room next door.
Senate House is the west wing of the cluster of original sandstone university buildings, dating back to the 1840s, and was where the institution’s principals once lived with their families.
The catering services team has a cabinet-full of trophies, medals and certificates, awarded for everything from intricately-iced novelty gateaux (students can even take advantage of a cake cabinet) to the sustainable approach taken to mass catering, with minimal food waste.
Guests have been enjoying the university’s multi award-winning hospitality by invitation for many years and the pop-up restaurant venture is opening that opportunity up to the wider public, by popular demand.
A second night at the Queen’s Park site in Handbridge will also be held from 7pm to 9.30pm on September 23, following enquiries from residents who were unable to make the first date.
Domestic bursar and director of hospitality and residential services Ian White said: “We were overwhelmed by the response to the first pop-up restaurant in Handbridge and many of those who had previously dined at Senate House as the university’s guests were keen to know when they could bring their family and friends here, so this was a natural progression.”
To reserve a table, please email anita.williams@chester.ac.uk or call 01244 513011.
